Trump Dance
 Donald Trump performs the Trump Dance in Nebraska in 2022 | |
| Genre | Ecstatic dance |
|---|---|
| Time signature | 4 4 |
| Inventor | Donald Trump |
| Year | 2020 |
| Origin | United States |
The Trump Dance is a celebratory movement inspired by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's characteristic rally gestures while dancing to his campaign song "Y.M.C.A.". It has gained popularity among professional and collegiate athletes across various sports. The dance typically involves slowly punching air and shaking hips, reflecting movements Trump has often performed at political events.
Background
[edit]The dance originated at Trump's 2020 campaign rallies, where his energetic movements became a notable aspect of his public persona.[1][2] Over time, these gestures were popularized through social media and eventually adopted by individuals outside the political sphere.[2]
The dance is performed by rocking the hips in a side-to-side motion while performing alternating, subdued fist pumps from hip-level.[2]
Adoption in sports
[edit]The "Trump Dance" has been observed in major sporting events, with athletes incorporating it into their celebratory routines.[3]
National Football League (NFL)
[edit]NFL players, including Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders[1], Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans[4], Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers[5], and Za'Darius Smith of the Detroit Lions[5], have been noted for dancing games. Similar celebrations have also been documented among college football athletes.[5]
Soccer
[edit]US national team soccer player Christian Pulisic used the dance to celebrate a goal during a November 18, 2024, match. Pulisic later stated, "It's not a political dance. It was just for fun."[6]
Mixed martial arts
[edit]Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight champion Jon Jones incorporated the dance into his post-match celebrations during an event attended by Trump.[4]
Golf
[edit]Professional golfer Charley Hull performed the dance during a tournament match on November 17, 2024.[7]
Cultural significance
[edit]The "Trump Dance" is widely regarded as an example of the intersection of sports and political culture, although athletes often characterize its use as non-political. Supporters of the dance argue it reflects Trump's broader cultural influence, while detractors view it as a polarizing gesture.[3][6]
Reception
[edit]The dance's emergence has sparked mixed reactions on social media and in public discourse. While some view it as a lighthearted homage, others criticize its potential to evoke political connotations in traditionally apolitical settings like sports.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Deen, Safid (November 18, 2024). "Brock Bowers' trump dance latest viral NFL celebration". USA TODAY. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ a b c Goffe, Nadira (November 19, 2024). "How the "Trump Dance" Took Over the Sports World". Slate. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Pandey, Erica (November 19, 2024). ""Trump Dance" takes over sports". Axios. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ a b Murray, Conor (November 19, 2024). "These Athletes—From The NFL, UFC And U.S. Soccer Embrace 'Trump Dance'". Forbes. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ a b c Thomas, Louisa (November 24, 2024). "Donald Trump's Go-To Dance Move Has Invaded Sports". The New Yorker. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Maurer, Pablo; Sheldon, Dan (November 19, 2024). "Explaining Christian Pulisic's 'Donald Trump dance' celebration and its impact". The Athletic. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
- ^ Harris, Mark (November 18, 2024). "Charley Hull Does The Trump Dance During Battle With Nelly Korda In LPGA Event". OutKick. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
